Poems and Readings dedicated to Husbands, Fathers, Sons and Grandfathers

Transcription

1 Five Minutes If I only had five minutes the day you passed away, I would have had time to tell you all the things I needed to say. I never got to tell you how much you mean to me, Or that you were the best dad, better than any man could be. The last time that I talked to you I wish I would have known. I would have said I love you, and kept you on the phone. If I only had five minutes, the morning you passed away, I'd give you one last hug so tight and see your great big smile. I'd tell you that I don't think I could live without you, not even for a while. I'd kiss your cheek and take your hand and tell you it's okay to go And tell you that I'll miss you, more than you'll ever know. But you were gone so quickly, One last car ride you'd take. Before you even knew it, you were standing at heaven s gate. Now God has called upon you, It's time to get your wings. To leave this life behind you, And enjoy all of heavens beautiful things. So wait for me in heaven Dad, Don't let me come alone. The day the angels come for me, Please be there to bring me home. What Makes A Dad God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it... "DAD!" Author Unknown

2 Our Father Kept A Garden Our Father kept a garden. A garden of the heart; He planted all the good things, That gave our lives their start. He turned us to the sunshine, And encouraged us to dream: Fostering and nurturing The seeds of self-esteem. And when the winds and rain came, He protected us enough; But not too much because he knew We would stand up strong and tough. His constant good example, Always taught us right from wrong; Markers for our pathway that will last a lifetime long. He Has Achieved Success He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much: who has earnt the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled the niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it; whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of Earth s beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given the best he had. Whose life was an inspiration; Whose memory a benediction. We are our Fathers garden, We are his legacy. Thank you Dad we love you. Unknown

3 He is Gone As We Look Back You can shed tears that he is gone or you can smile because he has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that he ll come back or you can open your eyes and see all he s left. Your heart can be empty because you can t see him or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember him and only that he s gone or you can cherish his memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back Or you can do what he d want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on. As we look back over time We find ourselves wondering.. Did we remember to thank you enough For all you have done for us? For all the times you were by our sides To help and support us.. To celebrate our successes To understand our problems And accept our defeats? Or for teaching us by your example, The value of hard work, good judgement, Courage and integrity? We wonder if we ever thanked you For the sacrifices you made. To let us have the very best? And for the simple things Like laughter, smiles and times we shared? If we have forgotten to show our Gratitude enough for all the things you did, We re thanking you now. And we are hoping you knew all along, How much you meant to us.

4 We Remember Him When we are weary and in need of strength, When we are lost and sick at heart, When we have a joy we crave to share When we have decisions that are difficult to make When we have achievements that are based on his At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring, At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of autumn, At the rising of the sun and at its setting, As long as we live, he too will live For he is now a part of us, As we remember him. A True Hero Julie Mills What makes a man a hero? I've often thought this through. It's someone who is macho? It's someone who is true? No, that is not a hero. He's just a simple man. Always there when things go wrong and who does the best he can. He lends a strong shoulder To ease the flow of tears He holds high the lantern To drive away your fears. His smile was just enough To give encouragement. His frown more than adequate To make one soon relent. When some had need of guidance His ears he'd freely lend Advice came in abundance You chose, not him could you offend. He had no need of medals Or glory this is true. That's why, dear Grandpa Our hero has to be you.

5 For My Grandfather My grandfather was a quiet man, But his silence could speak volumes. The warmth of his gaze said, "I love you." The strength of his hugs said, "I will keep you safe." The gentleness of his hands said, "You're precious to me." His nod of approval for a job well done said, "I respect you." In the years to come, I may not remember many of the words my grandfather spoke, But the memories of what he conveyed without speaking a word will stay in my heart. The Definition of a Gentleman Gary Bowdery The definition of a gentleman is clear to detect, it's one of warmth love and respect. When you're feeling low they will understand, like they have the answers in the palm of their hands. The kind words that are often spoken, to their trust that is never broken. To the warmth of their smile from the shake of their hand, that says more than words ever can. I'm not talking about pulling out chairs or opening doors, it's the knowledge that you're never far from their thoughts. With wings of hope, they will always catch you, if money was love, they'd make you richer. I think we should learn to be just like these beautiful human beings. They're from a generation that is becoming a great loss, where simple things like manners had no cost. So we should help this new generation and keep them from harm, and teach them the definition of a gentleman is...(loved ones name)

6 They Buried a Farmer Today They buried a farmer today, Gave him back to the dirt from which he came. Earlier his family and neighbors walk by, Looking at memories of a simple man s life. A table of photos, toy tractors and cards, Telling the story of life on the farm. There are the overalls he wore every day, Except on Sunday, when he bowed his head to pray. All things that kept him close to his roots. Not born in a barn, but not far away, From the fields where a boy learned how to play. There are photos of his children and grandchildren, too, And he and his wife, there are more than a few. The smiles betray the hard times that he faced, The worries and fears, the profits erased. By weather and markets, out of his hands; In the end, all he really had was his land. The soil, the crops, and even the weeds, To his way of thinking, that s all he would need, Advertisement To take care of his family, and help them stay safe, From a faster-paced world, not too far away. A good life, a simple life, that s what he led, He d struggled like most, but came out ahead. And eventually, retirement, if ever a farmer could, Stop worrying or working, but he did it, for good. He enjoyed his last years, and made sure that he thanked, The good Lord above for his life, and his land. His time ended quickly, his loved ones in tears, Hoping he knew what he meant to them all through the years. Today they gather, to remember and pray, About a simple man they loved, who was there every day. Through joy and sorrow, laughter and pain, He was there when they needed him, right up to the end. Out to the cemetery, they carry him home, To a small plot of land, just under a stone. For they know he s at peace, and praying for them, As they stand on a slope, not far from his land. The service now over, they leave him alone, Knowing someday, he ll greet them once more. A dust cloud forms as the trucks drive away. They buried a farmer today.

7 To Those Whom I Love and Those Who Love Me When I am gone, release me, let me go I have so many things to see and do You must not tie yourself to me with tears Be happy that I have had so many years I gave you my love, you can only guess How much you gave me in happiness I thank you for the love each have shown But now it is time I travelled on alone So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must Then let your grief be comforted by trust It is only for a while that we must part So bless the memories in your heart I will not be far away, for life goes on So if you need me, call and I will come Though you cannot see or touch me, I will be near And if you listen with your heart, you will hear All of my love around you soft and clear Miss Me but Let Me Go - Author Unknown When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room, Why cry for a soul set free! Miss me a little - but not for long And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared, Miss me, but let me go. For this journey that we all must take And each must go alone; It's all a part of the Master's plan A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me, but let me go. Then, when you must come this way alone I will greet you with a smile and a Welcome Home -Author Unknown-

8 Silent Tear By Gaynor Llewellyn Just close your eyes and you will see All the memories that you have of me. Just sit and relax and you will find I'm really still there inside your mind. Don t cry for me now I'm gone For I am in the land of song. There is no pain, there is no fear So dry away that silent tear. Don t think of me in the dark and cold For here I am, no longer old. I'm in that place that s filled with love Known to you all, as "UP ABOVE". Feel no guilt in laughter, he d know how much you care Feel no guilt in laughter, he d know how much you care. Feel no sorrow in a smile that he is not here to share. You cannot grieve forever; he would not want you to. He d hope that you could carry on the way you always do. So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared, The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared. Let memories surround you, a word someone may say Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day, That brings him back as clearly as though he were still here, And fills you with the feeling that he is always near. For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart And he will live forever locked safely within your heart. Unknown In Memory Our lives go on without you But nothing is the same. We have to hide our heartache When someone speaks your name. Sad are the hearts that love you Silent are the tears that fall. Living without you is the hardest part of all You did so many things for us. Your heart was so kind and true And when we needed someone We could always count on you. The special years will not return When we are all together But with the love in our hearts You walk with us forever. Author Unknown

9 Farewell My friends It was beautiful as long as it lasted The journey of my life. I have no regrets whatsoever Save the pain I ll leave behind. Those dear hearts who love and care And the strings pulling at the heart and soul The strong arms that held me up When my own strength let me down. At every turning of my life I came across good friends, Friends who stood by me, Even when the time raced me by. Farewell, farewell, my friends I smile and bid you goodbye. No, shed no tears for I need them not All I need is your smile. If you feel sad do think of me For that s what I ll like when you live in the hearts Of those you love, remember then You never die. Silent tear Each night we shed a silent tear, As we speak to you in prayer. To let you know we love you, And just how much we care. Take our million teardrops, Wrap them up in love, Then ask the wind to carry them, To you in heaven above. Unknown Gitanjali Ghei, inspirational poet ( )